Nationwide casting for next Miss Fiji

THE search for Fiji’s next representative to the 63rd Miss World finals in Bali and Jakarta, Indonesia next year will begin in November.

Miss World Fiji national director Andhy Blake said a nationwide casting would start in Nadi followed by Suva, Lautoka and Savusavu.

Mr Blake said Miss Fiji 2013 would represent Fiji at the 2013 Miss World finals competing alongside other South Pacific beauties including contestants from Samoa, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia.

“This will be the third time Fiji will be represented at Miss World, the first was in 2004 by Aishwarya Sukhdeo and Miss Fiji 2012 Koini Vakaloloma was placed in the semi-finals of the Beach Beauty and was the overall best national costume during Dances of the World,” he said.

“Pageant experts from both Australia and India will also fly in during Miss Fiji’s boot camp to train our top fifteen finalists before the finals on April 20,” he said.

Mr Blake said the 2013 format of Miss Fiji would also engage the public with a competition to accept submissions for Fiji’s national costume to be worn at Miss World.

“Like Australia, the national costume has become a topic of debate so we have decided to allow the public to design what they feel should be worn as part of our national costume. The best design will be showcased on the Miss World stage and this competition is targeting the general public including fashion designers,” he said.

Mr Blake said in another format, the competition would also search for Fiji’s top fashion designers who would be invited to showcase a collection during the top model competition.